13 best undercoatings

Undercoating in the context of automotive care and maintenance refers to the process of applying a protective layer of coating or material to the underside of a vehicle. This is done primarily to protect the vehicle's undercarriage from various environmental factors, such as moisture, road salt, rocks, and other debris, which can lead to corrosion and rust. Here's what you need to know about undercoatings:

  1. Purpose: The primary purpose of undercoating is to prevent or mitigate corrosion and rust on the vehicle's chassis, frame, suspension components, and other metal parts located underneath the car or truck.

  2. Types of Undercoatings:

    • Rubberized Undercoating: This type of undercoating is a thick, rubber-like substance that adheres to the undercarriage and provides excellent protection against moisture and road salt.
    • Wax-Based Undercoating: Wax-based undercoatings are sprayed or brushed onto the undercarriage, forming a protective barrier that seals out moisture and prevents rust.
    • Oil-Based Undercoating: Oil-based undercoatings, such as those made from petroleum compounds, offer rust protection by creating a barrier against moisture and inhibiting corrosion.
  3. Application Methods: Undercoatings can be applied using various methods, including spray guns, brushes, or aerosol cans. Spray guns are commonly used for professional-grade applications as they provide an even and consistent coat.

  4. DIY vs. Professional Application: While some vehicle owners opt for DIY undercoating using aerosol cans or brush-on products, professional application using specialized spray equipment is often preferred for a more thorough and uniform coating.

  5. Benefits of Undercoating:

    • Rust Prevention: Undercoating acts as a barrier against moisture and corrosive materials, helping to prevent rust and extend the lifespan of the vehicle.
    • Sound Deadening: Some undercoatings can also reduce road noise and vibrations, leading to a quieter and more comfortable ride.
    • Enhanced Resale Value: Well-maintained undercoating can improve a vehicle's resale value by preserving its structural integrity and appearance.
  6. Maintenance: Undercoatings may require periodic inspections and touch-ups to ensure their effectiveness. Over time, they can wear off or become damaged, especially in regions with harsh climates or rugged terrain.

  7. Safety Considerations: When applying undercoating, it's essential to follow safety precautions, such as wearing appropriate protective gear and ensuring proper ventilation if using aerosol products.

  8. Local Regulations: Some areas may have regulations or restrictions on the types of undercoatings that can be used due to environmental concerns. It's important to check local regulations before applying undercoating.

In summary, undercoating is a protective measure used in automotive maintenance to prevent corrosion and rust on the vehicle's undercarriage. It comes in various forms, such as rubberized, wax-based, and oil-based coatings, and can be applied using different methods.Properly applied and maintained undercoating can significantly extend the lifespan of a vehicle and enhance its resale value.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best undercoatings on the market
  

Rust-Oleum 248656 Professional Grade Rubberized Undercoating Spray, 15 oz, Black

Rust-Oleum

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Rust-Oleum Automotive Professional-Grade Rubberized Undercoating Spray provides best-in-class protection for vehicle underbodies against minor road damage as well as rust, water, chemicals and salt. Specialized coating also deadens road noise and resists abrasion. Designed with a comfort spray tip and convenient any-angle spray technology.

From the Manufacturer

Rust-Oleum Professional Undercoating is an easy to use, black rubberized coating. It provides corrosive protection from water, salt and other chemicals. It helps deaden sound and its trusted rust preventive formula provides a barrier from rust on cars, trucks, trailers and other recreational vehicles.

  • Perfect for use on bare or primed metal underbodies of cars, trucks, trailers, RVs and more
  • Professional-grade formula provides superior protection against corrosion and damage from water, salt and other chemicals
  • Dries to the touch in 1 hour and covers up to 10-15 sq. ft. per can
  • Undercoating helps deaden sound and reduce damage to parts
  • Features a wide, comfort spray tip and any-angle spray technology for easy painting even upside down

User questions & answers

Question: Would this work well on the inside of toolbox drawers? And is it rubbery
Answer: I own them in DVD format.
Question: Can i use this product for a bed liner
Answer: between 25- 45 minutes.
Question: how many cans are needed for a standard cab, 6.5 ft bed F
Answer: Not really.
Question: How much area will 1 can cover
Answer: Excellent.

Product features

Rust-Oleum Automotive Undercoatings

While they may not be as visible, vehicle undercarriages, wheel wells and quarter panels deserve top-of-the-line protection. Keep cars, trucks, vans and more performing their best with Rust-Oleum Automotive Undercoating finishes. The rubberized barrier helps prevent damage from everyday wear and elements, as well as helps reduce annoying road noise.

Krylon Automotive Undercoating, Black, 16 oz. (KA8620007)

Krylon

Based on 529 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Combines the flexibility of rubber with excellent performance capabilities to resist rust and provide protection.

  • Protective and paintable
  • Use on metal, wood, and fiberglass
  • Interior & Exterior
  • Part number: KA8620007

User questions & answers

Question: will this work on aluminum
Answer: would work great for tool boxes very little rubber
Question: Has anyone used this on a chrime bumper
Answer: I used this product to line the surface of a sorting table on a crabbing boat. It is holding up very well so far under very rough use. A single can doesn't go very far in terms of area covered.
Question: Can this be used on stainless steel
Answer: I used 4-5 cans to get good coverage on the whole frame!
Question: Will this work well on 3d printed PLA
Answer: It's a tall can. I used it to spray 7 coats on the underside of the rail on one side of my civic and still have a good amount left. Warning that it does tacky/sticky- even after 48 hrs, and it is meant that way. Contrary to intuition, it was designed to be paintable in this state and will accept your primer then base coat afterwards just fine.

3M 3584 Professional Grade Rubberized Undercoating 6 16oz Cans

3M

Based on 112 reviews Check latest price

Product description

3M™ Professional Grade Rubberized Undercoating is an easy to use black protective coating that does not run when applied, provides anti corrosive protection, sound deadening and insulation to cars, trucks and recreational vehicles. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which is [are] known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

  • Use on cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles
  • Coating helps prevent damage corrosion
  • Helps reduce road noise
  • Clean application

User questions & answers

Question: How well does it stick to plywood
Answer: Yes it will.
Question: Has anyone noted how many cans are required to an entire underside of a vehicle? I will be purchasing for my 2000 jeep Cherokee
Answer: The chrome would need to be removed for proper adhesion. It will stick for a short amount of time but not long.
Question: Do you need to prime first before this coating is applied
Answer: Krylons item description says yes. But I don’t no have any experience using it on stainless.
Question: Will it flex and stay pliable
Answer: No

Boeshield T-9 Rust & Corrosion Protection/Inhibitor and Waterproof Lubrication, 12 oz.

Boeshield

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price
  • Date First Available :
  • Manufacturer :
  • ASIN :

User questions & answers

Question: Can i spray my engine and exuast on my 1999 fleetwood rv. is it flammable . does it have any heat resistant
Answer: It will stick to any dry, some what clean surface.
Question: Is this good for spraying under a 4x4 to prevent rust from the beach
Answer: I used (3) cans for two coats on 66 F100 cab only.
Question: Can you paint over this? Have truck with much rust. After mechanical removal (sand blast), treatment with Evaporust, can u use this and then paint
Answer: No primer needed. This will stick to any clean dry surface.
Question: could this be considered a universal lubricant for bikes the way WD40 is? like for use on breaks, gears, axles, ballbearings, brackets, etc
Answer: It does not get rock hard, however when it drys it’s not like rubber and flexible. It would crack if flexed very far or multiple times.

Rust-Oleum Black Undercoating 15 oz.

RO

Based on 71 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Quantity of (12) cans: 15 OZ, Black Rubberized Undercoating, An Easy To Use, Black Protective Coating, Protects Metal Surfaces From Corrosion & Moisture, Trusted Rust Preventive Formula Provides A Barrier From Rust On Cars, Trucks, Trailers & Other Recreational Vehicles, For Best Results Apply 2 Coats, Resists Rust, Rubberized, Paintable.

  • Quantity of (12) cans: 15 OZ, Black Rubberized Undercoating
  • An Easy To Use, Black Protective Coating
  • Protects Metal Surfaces From Corrosion & Moisture
  • Trusted Rust Preventive Formula Provides A Barrier From Rust On Cars, Trucks, Trailers & Other Recreational Vehicles
  • For Best Results Apply 2 Coats

User questions & answers

Question: Spray on wood
Answer: I would say no. Now, if you apply a light coat then wipe it off I would say yes. For example, I bought a new riding lawnmower so I heavily sprayed all the metal on the thing. I'm sure there is a level of protection but the thing is it collects dust and dirt terribly and the dirt is difficult to remove as the spray when applied heavy stays tacky. I just bought a honda Rancher but am brain storming what to spray on it to protect it. I live in NW WISCONSIN and years ago sprayed my snow blower. We get snow here and after a year if snow blowing I can still feel the tacky boshield on the metal as i did not do a light spray and wipe off. I have not tried putting on multiple light coats and wiping after each application. That may be an option. I hope that helped.
Question: Can we apply on top of rust
Answer: Use this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CRETZW/?tag=car-search-20 to paint on rusted surfaces
Question: How much area does a can cover
Answer: I would never recommend using WD 40 on your bike parts, especially the chain and derailleur, because dust and sand will adhere to it and it will end up a total sludgy mess. Bioshield is much preferable. I have a very expensive chain on my bike and I use, exclusively, Bioshield. I spray it every 200 or 300 miles, wipe off all of the extra, and wipe it down after every ride. That chain essentially has zero wear after nearly 10,000 miles (I have a very accurate chain wear tool that measures chain stretch). This stuff is superb, all I have used for many years. Once every season I soak the chain in an orange based solvent and clean it with a toothbrush and clean the jockey pulleys, chain rings and cassette. Dry, re-lube the chain with Bioshield, and it will be good to go for the next season.

3M - 03584-6PK Professional Grade Rubberized Undercoating, 03584, 16 oz

3M

Based on 262 reviews Check latest price

Product description

3M Professional Grade Rubberized Undercoating 03584 helps protect the undercarriage of cars, trucks, vans and recreational vehicles from both corrosion and abrasion. The coating may also be used to protect wheel wells, quarter panels, interior side of fenders, door skins, under side of the hood and trunk lid, floor pans, and more. The rubberized undercoating also helps deaden noise, allowing for a more pleasant and quieter ride. Protecting your vehicle with an application of rubberized undercoating is advised for long-term protection of the undercarriage. Rubberized undercoating creates a protective barrier that seals out grit, grime and moisture that could otherwise corrode the metal components. This extra protection is a low-cost measure that can pay off by potentially extending the service life of a vehicle.

  • Can be used on cars, trucks and recreational vehicles
  • Black protective coating helps prevent damage from corrosion
  • Sound-deadening properties help reduce road noise
  • No-run formula for clean application

User questions & answers

Question: I am considering using this product on my Jeep plastic fenders and bumpers. Has anyone done this
Answer: I've never done it but don't see any reason not to.
Question: is the color of this undercoating black? can we spray it directly on the plywood on the undercarrriage of our cargo trailer..stage
Answer: YES. I DID
Question: does this cure to a hard finish
Answer: I used four cans to cover the bottom of an eight foot bed on a 2006 F 250
Question: Can you spray this over rust? And if you can, won't this spray just coat the rust while the rust eats away the metal underneath
Answer: I don't like the first answer of "Yes". Boeshield is a parrafin-based, derived from petroleum substance. Here's why. Petroleum based products are flammable. They become less viscous with heat, then begin to smoke with more heat. When you get motor oil on exhaust pipes, it smokes, and motor oil is engineered to resist heat, but not that much heat. There are high temperature paints for use in high temperature applications like this. That would be a much better product to eliminate rust on your exhaust system than Boeshield T-9.

Product features

3M Professional Grade Rubberized Undercoating

3M Professional Grade Rubberized Undercoating produces a textured finish which resists chipping, abrasion, exterior rusting and weathering. This coating provides one-coat build-up with no dripping, running or sagging. The undercoating is excellent for automotive undercarriages and for other uses including protection for wheel wells, fenders, quarter panels and more.

Enjoy a More Pleasant Ride

For a quieter ride, rubberized undercoating helps insulate the vehicle cabin from noise, including from the road and the engine. When soundproofing an automobile, consider the most common source of the noise for your situation. Cars of all makes, models and price ranges will benefit from noise reduction soundproofing.

Exceptional Convenience

The aerosol can offers convenience for applying the undercoating without any additional investment in equipment.

Protect the Underside of Your Vehicle from Corrosion

3M Professional Grade Rubberized Undercoating helps protect the undercarriage of cars, trucks, vans and recreational vehicles from corrosion and abrasion. The coating may also be used to protect wheel wells, quarter panels, interior sides of fenders, the underside of the hood, the bottom sides of floor pans and more. The rubberized undercoating also helps deaden noise, allowing for a more pleasant and quieter ride. The spray goes on as a textured black finish that resists chipping, abrasion, exterior rusting and weathering. It provides one-coat build-up with no dripping, running, or sagging. Protecting your vehicle with an application of rubberized undercoating is advised for long-term protection of the undercarriage. Rubberized undercoating creates a protective barrier that seals out grit, grime and moisture that could otherwise corrode the metal components. This extra protection is a low-cost measure that can pay off by potentially extending the service life of a vehicle.

Loctite 502908 Rubberized Undercoating, 16 oz

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Loctite Heavy-Duty Rubberized Undercoating is a heavy-duty undercoating that seals, protects, and insulates. It is rubberized for maximum thickness, durability and flexibility. Excellent professional blend, all-purpose coating. Typical applications include: automotive frames, rocker panels, and wheels.

  • Heavy-duty undercoating that seals, protects, and insulates
  • Rubberized for maximum durability
  • Excellent professional blend, all-purpose coating
  • Durable and flexible formula
  • Typical applications: Automotive frames, rocker panels and wheels.

User questions & answers

Question: What color is it
Answer: Don't spray it over rust, treat or repair the rust first. More than one undercoating job has actually made rust worse by trapping water and it eats away from the inside out and you'd never know until something falls apart.

Fluid Film 1 Gallon Can Rust Inhibitor Rust Prevention Anti Corrosion Anti Rust Coating Undercoating Underbody Rust Proofing Corrosion Protection for Truck Snow Blower Mower Car Semi Tractor Bus

Fluid Film

Based on 855 reviews Check latest price

Product description

FLUID FILM products offer powerful corrosion protection for all metals and superior lubrication for all moving parts. It is a non-toxic, long lasting, thixotropic liquid that has been used for over fifty years in the highly corrosive marine environment of ships and offshore drilling rigs. More recently they have been introduced and successfully utilized in the aerospace, aircraft and automobile industries as well as for home maintenance. Facilities where they are used include the following: government facilities, commercial fishing concerns, gas companies, agriculture, salt plants, municipal plants, power plants, manufacturing plants and pulp and paper mills. FLUID FILM is formulated from specially processed wool-wax, highly refined petroleum oils and selected agents to provide corrosion control, penetration, metal wetting and water displacement. The long lasting product contains no solvents, will not dry out and will penetrate to the base of all metals, providing corrosion protection from both natural and industrial atmospheres. Heavily corroded and/or frozen parts such as nuts, bolts, shafts, etc. that would normally be damaged during maintenance, can be salvaged by applying FLUID FILM.

  • CONDITIONS Leather, VINYL & WOOD
  • WILL NOT FREEZE, GREAT FOR BATTERY TERMINALS, FREES RUSTED PARTS

User questions & answers

Question: Is this the same as what is in the aerosol cans? Could I just pour this in a spray bottle? Seems like a better idea to buy a gallon than 10oz can
Answer: The Loctite 502908 undercoating is black in color.
Question: Does this product contain silicone
Answer: I used this to undercoat the cab fenders and running boards on my 49 Chevy pickup but they were steel not sure about plastic.
Question: what color is this
Answer: Yes is black sticks to metal pretty good. But you need to let cure 100×.i think will be ok on wood. Maybe light coat first to seal the wood and a heavy coat after
Question: I have a automotive cup type spray gun, can this product be used with this spray gun? Thanks
Answer: Not like bedliner material

Fluid Film 5gal Pail NAS Rust Inhibitor Rust Prevention Anti Corrosion Anti Rust Coating Undercoating Underbody Rust Proofing Corrosion Protection for Truck Snow Blower Mower Car Semi Tractor Bus

Fluid Film

Based on 230 reviews Check latest price

Product description

FLUID FILM products offer powerful corrosion protection for all metals and superior lubrication for all moving parts. It is a non-toxic, long lasting, thixotropic liquid that has been used for over fifty years in the highly corrosive marine environment of ships and offshore drilling rigs. More recently they have been introduced and successfully utilized in the aerospace, aircraft and automobile industries as well as for home maintenance. Facilities where they are used include the following: government facilities, commercial fishing concerns, gas companies, agriculture, salt plants, municipal plants, power plants, manufacturing plants and pulp and paper mills. FLUID FILM is formulated from specially processed wool-wax, highly refined petroleum oils and selected agents to provide corrosion control, penetration, metal wetting and water displacement. The long lasting product contains no solvents, will not dry out and will penetrate to the base of all metals, providing corrosion protection from both natural and industrial atmospheres. Heavily corroded and/or frozen parts such as nuts, bolts, shafts, etc. that would normally be damaged during maintenance, can be salvaged by applying FLUID FILM.

User questions & answers

Question: Can it be diluted
Answer: I have no experience with the aerosol cans, but I can tell you that the product in the gallon can has the consistency about like that of sour cream. It is a fairly smooth product with no lumps, and it goes through the spray gun you can get for fluid film on Amazon quite well. So if you have an air comressor, you might just want to bite the bullet and get the spray setup. I have not seen a spray bottle that will spray something as thick as FF, but you might have some industrial version available that I am unaware of.Regards,Grant in Iowa
Question: My employer bought a 5 gallon pail before, but it was extremely thick like Bag Balm. Is this fluid or thick like that and needs to be cut
Answer: No. Fluid Film does not contain silicone.
Question: Is there any kind of prep work involved for existing rust
Answer: Fluid Film NAS is a light color. Kind of like honey or mustard.
Question: Does this stuff smell like rank cheese? I have a small, aerosol can of some product by them and it smels like gone bad cheese or toe jam orsomething
Answer: It can but you will waste a lot of product. Fluid Film is very thick and does not get atomized well in generic spray guns. They put out way too much product in globs. The Fluid Film guns are specifically made just for this thick viscosity product.

3M Dynatron Dyna-Pro Paintable Rubberized Undercoating, 544, 1 Gallon

3M

Based on 56 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dyna-Pro Paintable Rubberized Undercoating is a fast-drying, flexible, durable undercoating that can be painted with standard refinish paint systems to match any OEM color desired.

  • Flexible rubberized coating resists weathering, salt spray, chipping and dust
  • Fully paintable and texturized to match OEM paint finishes for higher customer satisfaction
  • Forms electromechanical barrier against rust, limiting comebacks
  • Like applying a layer of rubber to areas most exposed to weather and wear

User questions & answers

Question: Can this be used as the product for bare wood underneath an RV? Maybe prime wood first with wood primer then this stuff
Answer: You can use vegetable oil or WD-40.
Question: Can this be applied to a painted surface, or is scuffing required
Answer: That is right for spraying vehicles. It does not need cut, but used with a sprayer with some air pressure on the media as well as at your nozzle. Warm temps help also...
Question: this says 4 pack, is it really 4 cans at 120 oz each
Answer: This is not a rust converter, it just coats the surface (like oil). Best practice would be to clean the surface before coating. What compromises you make are up to you.
Question: Can I paint the frame were the tail pipe runs by the frame front to back
Answer: Rank cheese? No way, it smells like apples

Product features

Dynatron Dyna-Pro Paintable Rubberized Undercoating

Dynatron Dyna-Pro Paintable Rubberized Undercoating forms a durable barrier against weather, chipping, salt spray and rust – almost like applying a layer of rubber to vulnerable auto undercarriages. Fast-drying flexible coating combines easy brush or spray-on application with superior sealing and corrosion resistance, and accepts standard refinish auto paint systems to help match any OEM color.

Details:

Automotive Spray-On Rubberized Undercoating Material, 1-Gallon RUS-1020F6

Rusfre

Based on 150 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Made especially for use with RUSFRE BBB Guns, a rubberized, chemically formulated, effective rust preventive; contains bound fibers for bonding to prevent chipping, cracking and peeling. Sprays evenly, covers effectively and sound deadens. Reinforced Fibers and Rust Inhibitors No Asbestos For best results spray at room temperatures or higher, stir and shake well before use Black Color Only!

  • Under coating for spray gun-1 Gallon

User questions & answers

Question: If this stuff is sprayed on or near the exhuast or engine, will there be an issue with fire
Answer: Yes I used it to undercoat my trailer floor. You can brush or spray it with an undercoat gun.
Question: How long does this coating last? Do you have to apply it every year
Answer: Dull paint, primer, YES . Clear coat waxed paint NO. Under the car or truck paint Yes. Use the undercoating gun. Works great, bitch to clean.
Question: what to mix with to make thinner
Answer: it's (1) can at 120 oz.
Question: Does it stay soft like some of the cheap undercoatings of the past or does it get hard
Answer: Yes. Should be fine. It's not flammable after it's dry.

3M Undercoating, 08881, 16 oz Net Wt/453 g (Qty 3)

3M

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The 3M undercoating protects vulnerable automotive metal parts from corrosion and abrasion. Specifically designed for automotive undercarriages, wheel wells and body panels — quarter panels, under hoods, trunks, undersides of floor pans — it's equally effective in many other automotive applications. Multi-purpose aerosol undercoating is available in a rubberized formula that can be painted. Available in two forms, this undercoating is a cost-effective solution to protect vehicles from road damage and corrosion. Both feature an aerosol formula that offers excellent sprayability and good coverage to bare or primed metal. NOTE: Due to regulations and restrictions of the item's volume exceeding 1 gallon or more, the item cannot be shipped to the state of California Provides a tough barrier and protects metal from road debris An aerosol undercoating with smooth texture in two forms, paintable and non-paintable Multi-purpose undercoating may be applied to cars, trucks and recreational vehicles Hides welding marks and other repairs Sound dampening properties help reduce road noise WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which is [are] known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

  • Undercoating provides a tough barrier and protects metal from road debris
  • An aerosol undercoating with smooth texture in two forms, paintable and non-paintable
  • Multi-purpose undercoating may be applied to cars, trucks and recreational vehicles
  • Hides welding marks and other repairs
  • Sound dampening properties help reduce road noise

User questions & answers

Question: How many can to spray undercoating toyota Turdra limited
Answer: Mineral spirits or enamel reducer will work. Don't use acetone or lacquer thinner as they will eat into paint.
Question: Does spray on with a smooth finish? Or textured finish
Answer: I does not get hard -hard,which is better so it does not crack. its also,not soft to touch,good product for the price!

woolwax 12 Spray Can Undercoating Kit Black

Based on 19 reviews Check latest price

Product description

** We try to ship the same day that order is placed (if a weekday), and item is usually delivered in 2-3 business days.** Woolwax 12 Spray Can Undercoating Kit BLACK. If you don't have a compressor, you can still treat your vehicle with Woolwax . We are now offering a Woolwax aerosol spray can undercoating kit. This includes a conversion trigger made to fit the Woolwax 12 oz can, that turns the spray can into a spray gun. Also included in a 24" extension wand with a 360° nozzle to get inside the doors and tight spots. The spray can application will not go on quite as thick and viscous as the bulk product (gallons/pails) but it will certainly provide adequate protection. This kit is especially good for people that may not live in the heavy snow and ice areas, but still want to protect their vehicles, boat trailers, outdoor equipment and more. The conversion kit can be used with or without the extension wand. Kits are available with 4 ,6, or 12 cans of 12 oz. Woolwax spray cans. Woolwax is formulated with more woolgrease than any competitive brand. Woolwax is thicker and more resistant to wash-off than any other lanolin film product.

  • Complete auto / truck undercoat kit. 12 spray cans

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